Retina MBP Keyboard Vibration?

So I was in the Apple Store today and the demo unit that I was playing with of the new Retina MBP is pretty sweet. I was typing on the keyboard, and I noticed that as I typed, it felt like something on the inside computer was vibrating as if there was some type of haptic feedback. The keys on the computer seemed noticeably lighter than the "standard" MBP sort of like the 11" MBA's keyboard. Did Apple add some kind of physical feedback device? Am I crazy/get a lemon for a demo unit? I tried another unit and it didn't do it as much.

I don't think he is mistaken. I've been using the rMBP for a few days now but it's only today I've noticed that I feel ~50Hz vibration (when it's plugged in) through the heal of my hands.

Click to expand...

I've noticed this too.

Here's a test:

Hold your left hand just above the keyboard as as if you were about to type the letter E with your left index finger, and gently rest the heel of your left hand against the aluminium. You should sense a strange sensation where the hand rests against the aluminium. If you put more weight on the heel, it seems to go away. I suspect it's tiny vibrations that are only noticeable over wider, flatter areas of both the casework and the hands.

I don't know about the keyboard but on my MBP 08, I feel low electric touch when it is being charged and when I touch the body (not keyboard) can cause like a soft "vibration". It is definitely not a haptic feedback

I don't know about the keyboard but on my MBP 08, I feel low electric touch when it is being charged and when I touch the body (not keyboard) can cause like a soft "vibration". It is definitely not a haptic feedback

Click to expand...

Are you using the three prong cable (grounded) on your charger or just the two prong slide-in adapter?

UK here too. I had this 'problem'. If you plug in with the full cable (i.e. using the extra piece that plugs into the transformer rather than pushing the outlet plug directly on to the transformer) this will not happen.

I don't imagine it's dangerous - just a mild tingling 'shock' when the power isn't properly earthed.

If I'm going to work on the MBP when it's plugged in, I now use this extra cable for comfort.

So I was in the Apple Store today and the demo unit that I was playing with of the new Retina MBP is pretty sweet. I was typing on the keyboard, and I noticed that as I typed, it felt like something on the inside computer was vibrating as if there was some type of haptic feedback. The keys on the computer seemed noticeably lighter than the "standard" MBP sort of like the 11" MBA's keyboard. Did Apple add some kind of physical feedback device? Am I crazy/get a lemon for a demo unit? I tried another unit and it didn't do it as much.

Click to expand...

It's a vibration that you can feel across the entire unit, it's because it was being charged with the "half cable" and two prong charger, it's unable to ground fully and discharge everything. The vibrations go away when you plug In the full cable with the 3 prong grounding plug.

You're not crazy, it's there, I feel it every day with my demo models that have the half plug in. There's no damage to you or the computer though.

MacRumors attracts a broad audience
of both consumers and professionals interested in
the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on
purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.